Council Chairperson Welcomes Members of the Irish Golf Tour Operator Association.
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Laura Devlin was delighted to welcome a group of 20 members of the Irish Golf Tour Operator Association (IGTOA) to the Slieve Donard Resort and Spa on MOnday 20th July.
Tourism NI has put the spotlight on golf through its familiarisation programme in a bid to promote golf and the wider tourism product in Northern Ireland.
The trip provided the IGTOA operators with an opportunity to engage and network with the tourism industry as well as play golf at some of the finest courses, including Royal County Down – voted the world number one course for the third consecutive year.
Council Chairperson, Councillor Laura Devlin said: “I was delighted to welcome the members from the Irish Golf Tour Operators Association to the region to showcase some the finest golf and accommodation that we have on offer.
“These operators are so valuable to our district as they generate income to our economy, not only for the golf courses but the wider destination including our accommodation providers, transport operators, the hospitality sector and tourist attractions.
“Our golf clubs and wider sector have been significantly affected by the pandemic and we look forward to welcoming visitors back to enjoy our fantastic golf product which boasts many unique golf courses”.
Chairperson Cllr Devlin added: “Golf tourism is a very important part of Newry Mourne and Down District Council’s tourism economy. Research suggests that for every £1 spent on green fees in our region, a further £4 is spent in the local economy.
“In 2019, research identified that 78% of golf visitors like to include a visit to a tourist attraction when off course.
“Familiarisation trips to our district are an effective and practical way of showcasing our unique offering to influential decision makers and we would like to thank Tourism NI for bringing the IGTOA group to Newry, Mourne and Down.”
